Comparative studies on some genetic characteristics among four large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) populations

The genetic structure was compared among four large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) populations, an important aquaculture species in China. RAPD and ISSR results show that the genetic distances between domestic stocks and their wild counterparts are significantly larger than those between the three wild stocks. The sequence of mtDNA cyt b shows that the three wild populations share the same sequence, with differences in the four bases from the cultured stock:two transitions[57(C-T), 291(G-A)] and two transversions[66(C-G),223(A-C)]. Cluster analysis reveals that the domestic stock has diverged from its parental wild stock[Min-Yuedong (Fujian Province-eastern Guangdong Province, China) stock]. Results demonstrate that 20 a of domestication of the Pseudosciaena crocea stock has resulted in significant genetic changes.